Sidekick JX 4D Hard Top 4WD L4-1.6L (1997)
Thermostat: Description and Operation
THERMOSTAT
A wax pellet type thermostat is used in the coolant outlet passage to control the flow of engine coolant, to provide fast engine warm up and to regulate
coolant temperatures. A wax pellet element is hermetically contained in a metal case, and expands when heated and contracts when cooled. When the
pellet is heated and expands, the metal case pushes down the valve to open it. As the pellet is cooled, the contraction allows the spring to close the
valve. Thus, the valve remains closed while the coolant is cold, preventing circulation of coolant through the radiator. At this point, coolant is allowed
to circulate only throughout the engine to warm it quickly and evenly. As the engine warms, the pellet expands and the thermostat valve opens,
permitting coolant to flow through the radiator. In the top portion of the thermostat, an air bleed valve is provided; this valve is for venting out the gas
or air, if any, that is accumulated in the circuit.
Thermostat Functional Specification +/- 1.5 °C (2.7°F):
Temperature At Which Valve Begins To Open: 82°C (179°F)
Temperature At Which Valve Become Fully Open: 95°C (203°F)
Valve Lift: More than 8 mm at 95°C
